Sasikala Is Playing 'Dirty Tricks' To Become The Chief Minister, Says Panneerselvam

"If she succeeds it will be a big blot on democracy."

CHENNAI -- Hitting back at All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Sasikala Natarajan for calling him a 'traitor', acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Thursday accused the former of playing 'dirty tricks', adding that she instigated several ministers to give interviews to declare her as the chief minister.

"Sasikala wanted to betray the party and become the Chief Minister, she instigated several Ministers who started giving interviews that she should be CM. It is Sasikala who is doing dirty tricks to acquire the chair of Chief Minister. If she succeeds it will be a big blot on democracy," said Panneerselvam who was accompanied by senior AIADMK leader Madhusudan.

Panneerselvam also informed that post former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's death, Sasikala's camp wanted the former to take charge as the Chief Minister and wanted Madhusudan to be the general secretary of the party.

Intensifying the attack on V K Sasikala, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Thursday claimed she had apologised through a letter to Jayalalithaa while being readmitted to the party after being expelled in 2011.

Reading out the letter, purportedly written by Sasikala, amid a huge crowd, Panneerselvam said Sasikala had been dismissed from AIADMK by Jayalalithaa for alleged anti-party activities, and she had also reportedly left Poes Garden, Jayalalithaa's residence.

Panneerselvam said Sasikala had mentioned that certain persons had created rift with Jayalalithaa while staying with her.

Sasikala, who was readmitted in 2012, said the differences had cropped up without her knowledge. Their "betrayal" was "unforgivable" and she had always desired 'Akka's' (elder sister) welfare, Sasikala was quoted as saying in the 'letter' by Panneerselvam.

Sasikala had said in the letter that she was not interested in joining politics nor did she aspire for any party post. She had also said that she was neither interested in contesting elections or becoming a Minister.

"I have already dedicated my life to Akka. I want to be a true thangai (younger sibling) for Akka and will live this life for her," Sasikala was quoted as saying in the 'letter' by Panneerselvam.